BOLD VENTURE
Adventure, intrigue, mystery, romance starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall
Together in the sultry setting of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean
BOLD VENTURE
Once again the magic names of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall bring you BOLD VENTURE and a tale of mystery and intrigue
BOLD VENTURE
Now look Mrs. Baker. Please let me finish. I know I'm not as young as you might like but I am well off and I could make you very happy Mr. Shannon.
What are you blushing for Slate? You've never been proposed to? A catch like you?
You keep out of this, say. Let go darn her shoulder strap, mend a sock.
You're true so as an apple pie order dear. Besides if a fellow's going to get married somebody has to give him away. I give you away. Take him Mrs. Baker.
Thank you dear. I'm quite sold on him. He's everything they told me he would be and more.
I was recommended, eh Mrs. Baker?
By Darby and Joan.
Darby and Joan. Joan sounds familiar but Darby throws me. Look it up in my files, sailor.
Darby and Joan incorporated a lonely hearts club. It was there that I saw your picture. There that I fell in love with you.
Sailor have you been handing out my picture again?
Stuffing it in mailboxes. Didn't hit a lonely hearts club though. Too many people were throwing rocks at me.
Now what does it matter how it got there? All I know is that I saw it and they gave me your address and I'm here to ask for your hand in marriage. Say yes Mr. Shannon.
Look Mrs. Baker. There are a lot of other fish in the sea. You'll get over it. We'll be friends.
Have another quiche slate. I just made some fresh.
But you don't understand you see. I'm a widow. A lonely unhappy widow. My husband was lost in the Texas city disaster in 1947. Since then I've tried to replace the man he was. But you're the first one I've found.
I'm sorry Mrs. Baker. Baker. Really sorry I can't marry you.
You don't know what a happy girl he's just made you Mrs. Baker. My heartfelt felicitations. I'll get you a cab dear.
Having fun Laura? Love it.
I like the way all of this fits you. Swank hotel, heated swimming pool, patio. All of it. It's a good background for you Laura.
Yeah. Yes it is.
Oh Laura.
Want to go in?
No. Laura what are you going to do with my wife?
Don't worry about it. She'll be found. She'll make a headline in the paper. Mary Baker and I will have tea, we'll take a walk. She'll be found.
Uh huh.
Just don't worry about it.
I'm not worried. An executive like you, a career girl who runs a lonely hearts club. Odds and ends and details. Tea with a woman, walk with a woman, the killing of a woman. Second nature for you Laura.
Not really darling. It becomes a matter of overcoming an obstacle like you.
I guess.
After all Frank your wife thinks you're dead. Your wife thinks you went up in an explosion. Letting her think that's more cruel than what I'm going to do. Dying only takes a moment.
I guess. But understand this Laura. When that boat went up in Texas City and 500 people turned up dead or missing. Well I became one of the missing.
I know. You couldn't stand your wife.
That's right. Why I ever married her.
For her money darling let's not be coy. That's why you've come back to get her money. And me.
Mostly you.
Without your wife's money darling. I'd look at you sitting beside me and see a man slowly turning to flab. That's me for you.
Let's take a dip Laura.
Whatever you say Frank.
Touch your motor sailor.
Okay.
Ease her in. I'll hop up on the pier and make her fast.
Throw me a line sailor.
Okay secure.
Give me a hand.
See I make a daddy I'm busy.
Let me give you my hands. I have one I'm not using.
Sure you can spare it inspector LaSalle.
Thanks.
Explain a man like Slate to me LaSalle. What makes him so cozy about handing a girl off a boat.
Perhaps his brain is occupied with women he has handed over to death.
I LaSalle had a rotten day today. No fish.
Huh. Is that something LaSalle.
You will come quietly huh senor. You will not upset the equilibrium of the harbor of my delicate stomach.
You tried by carb I got some on the boat.
Flesh it sailor the policeman has a tummy ache.
And also in the head from looking at your picture. You look at it senor. What sickness does it give to you.
Are you kidding. It's one of my more glamorous poses. Where else have you seen an open throat like that.
You want Slate's permission to wear it in a locket around your neck LaSalle.
Gee my Slate he's in demand aren't you boy.
What will I write on it LaSalle to my favorite John Darm with regret.
A confession would be nice to write on it.
What have you boys been up to.
A confession to the murder of a Mrs Baker.
That's the lady you wanted to marry me. You think I'd kill an intelligent lady like that.
The motive we will discuss later in the calaboose.
But first we will study the matter of her lying on the patio of your hotel.
With a bullet wound in her heart.
With a gun that made the wound in your room where I found it.
Next to her purse empty of a hundred fifty dollars.
And full of this picture of you.
You're crazy that picture was taken by a chubby red headed sidewalk photographer for 25 centavos. I never.
In the jail we will take one of you for free senor.
Please do not make me to shoot you in the leg.
Our police doctors are so over worth but they hang man.
Slack for him huh.
Get bail sailor.
After you get your mouth closed get bail.
Miss sailor miss sailor.
Did you get it King.
Yes miss sailor to the penny. Enough to go Mr Slate bail.
Did Mr Crevelin give you any trouble this time.
Mr Crevelin was very kind.
He said this is the eighth time we have hawked a boat.
Two more times and he will put the gold star beside our names.
Five more times a certificate of merit.
Ten more times and.
What are you staring at miss sailor.
A chubby red head.
It is not true what they say about chubby red heads miss sailor.
But this one has a camera.
Wait here King.
I'm going to have my picture taken.
Hi there.
I fall on my face.
You are so beautiful.
Take my picture and I'll autograph it for you.
I faint from the sheer joy of such a suggestion.
However I will take your picture and you will send me 25 centavos.
See.
Si.
Bueno stand as you are.
So smile.
So.
So it is done.
My card.
My address.
Send money I will send picture.
No money no picture.
Known as law of supply and demand.
I like the way you handle your camera senior.
Luis.
My name to those who enjoy me.
I enjoy you.
Tingles all over see.
I'm fighting it but.
Tingles all over.
Si.
The picture would still cost 25 centavos senorita.
I'll pay you for Slate Shannon's picture too.
Por favor.
Slate Shannon.
The man whose picture you took the other day.
Is a mistake.
Adios senorita goodbye.
Hey come back here.
Hey you.
Luis.
What happened Mr.
Why is he running.
I don't know King.
Let's tell Slate.
I'll bet it'll tingle him all over.
You get arrested once more Slate and we'll be wearing barrels where our jeans ought to be.
I get more costly all the time huh sailor.
Three thousand bucks to bail me out of a murder rap.
You get any more costly you can drag out the tin cup your aunt Sophie sent for your birthday.
Ah good old aunt Sophie.
She knew I'd make it some day.
You haven't got much time left for nostalgia Slate.
Better start collecting your memories.
I just got you out on bail.
You're still number one chum for the murder of Mrs. Baker.
Yeah tell me again about the photographer sailor.
I told you I mentioned your name the wave went out of his red hair and he took off after.
Darby and Joan lonely hearts incorporated.
The man's wanted for murder and he thinks.
He thinks of how a picture of him got put on the market.
Run on home sailor no no no no no no.
Better still walk.
I'll stand here and watch.
And when I'm out of sight.
The Darby and Joan.
Maybe they'll rent me a murderer.
Hello.
My name is Slate Shannon.
You're a lonely heart.
Welcome to Darby and Joan incorporated.
Here on in your troubles will be bubbles and the cares that infest the day will be replaced by a baby of whatever you like.
Blonde brunette Mr. Shannon tall short kidney short one who bakes bread like mother.
Oh my like you.
Somebody I can't make up my mind about until it's too late.
I'll help you out.
Get up behind his desk.
Well.
I'm your easiest customer in months.
What do your club rules say I do now.
Rule one we find out if we have a common interest.
And talk about it.
If it needs talking about.
Mine does.
Not mine.
See we're different we won't get along at all.
I can recommend Miss Wormsley to you.
She's not beautiful but she crochets like the Dickens.
Would you know what my picture is doing in your files.
What are you talking about.
You heard me.
I guess so far away.
Yeah I am.
This better.
You're hurting.
That's the impression I wanted to give.
The picture.
In a little while.
Hold me.
Wait a minute the door.
Forget it just hold me.
Tight as late like you hate me and want to love me.
Yeah.
You didn't have to hit him so hard Frank.
That's the way you hit people with the butt of a gun.
Get him out of there drag him away some place I can't look at him helpless.
He's not that kind of a man.
You mean you could go for a guy like that.
The way he looks now.
All right don't answer me Laura.
I'll just drag him away.
Now back to Bold Venture.
Our stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren McCall.
And the second act of our story.
The thing to do in mental strife aching for affection no girl no wife.
When moon is nicely situated try Darby and Jones incorporated.
I offer this suggestion with fingers crossed.
Walk don't run first figure the cost.
If love is making you crazy in the head.
It once happened to a lady it killed her dead.
King what is it with you men.
What do you mean Miss Saylor.
I mean what is it.
Mrs Baker was looking for a husband.
She was gentle looking had a kind of beauty that becomes a woman her age.
Why should everything suddenly get violent.
I don't know.
I just don't know.
All people have secrets locked away.
Secrets sometimes have death in them.
That chubby photographer King.
He's the boy that someone ought to talk to.
He's the boy I'm going to talk to.
No wait for Mr Slate.
He will be back from that lonely house club soon.
I doubt it.
When Slate gets mixed up in a club like that he starts organizing smokers field trips good and welfare committees first aid classes.
Oh I've seen him operate before.
That kid's a joiner.
I'm going to see that photographer.
Oh I'm sorry I didn't see you.
Can I help you.
Do you have a pay phone here.
Right over there by the steps.
Thank you.
When Slate gets back tell him to wait for me.
I'll be back shortly.
Hello.
Laura this is Frank.
That Duval dame's going to see Louie.
Meet me there right away.
Laura.
Over here in the alley.
That's why I adore you Frank.
Your bag is full of tricks.
Why didn't you wait for me in front of Louis's shop where you told me you'd wait.
Someone else is waiting there.
Miss Duval Shannon's good companion.
Is the lady shilling for the snapshot artist.
Why didn't you go right on in.
Because his shop is locked because there's a sign on his door that says out back in 30 minutes.
And I bet the run in my stocking you made him hang it there.
I called him disguised my voice told him there was a wedding party that couldn't go on unless he was there with his tripod and flash bulb.
Say that's a bad run.
When we finished out by all the stockings you'll ever need.
I'll come higher than that dear higher because I killed your wealthy widow.
Remember I'll remember it like it was our song.
Now that you've met me talk to me in an alley.
What leads to the back entrance of Louis shop into his dark room.
That's the one we'll use because it'll be interesting what Miss Duval has to say to our Louie.
We break in like common burglars hide in the dark.
I thought Tasia Laura.
I did things like this when I was a little girl hiding under front porches.
Come on Frank it'll be fun.
Come on Louie stop fumbling with those keys open the door.
Very well Senorita.
Inside I will lock it.
Now now what is it you wish.
The picture you took of Slate Shannon.
For favor Senorita you talk crazy.
All right let's hear what the cops think.
Unlock the door.
Wait Senorita.
You're going to give me that picture.
Wait I will give you the picture.
Here it is.
One more thing Louie.
Yes yes I will tell you I will tell you everything.
But permit me there are some prints in the room and back I must attend to them.
I will return immediately.
All right then.
Hello Louis.
No no please.
Get him out of the way Frank.
Yeah sure.
Hey what goes on.
Don't fight it my pretty just relax.
Just inhale.
This stuff takes no time at all to put you asleep.
That's it.
That's it.
Frank it's the police.
They heard the shots.
She's groggy enough.
Just stick the gun in her hand.
Now let's get out of here.
Tell me again Mr. Slate how the Miss Lonely Hearts took you in her arms and all of a sudden there was a slam bang alakazang on the back of your skull.
And the nightingale sang and the stars dripped gold.
I really made it live for you huh King.
Where's sailor?
Fly Mr. Slate it is thin fingers of the law.
Save it for amateur night King.
Tyler Sal what brings that sparkle to your teeth.
They sparkle when I green.
I green because I am jolly.
I am jolly because I have come to return the deposit you made on your life.
What?
Your three thousand dollars bail senior.
We have found the motive for the murder of Senora Mary Baker.
It was jealousy.
I'm sorry she's dead.
She seemed a fine woman.
She was.
This we have learned.
When her husband was lost in the Texas City disaster she was insane with grief.
They had to prevent her from taking her own life.
But it didn't stick huh.
She told me she was rich.
Who gets her money?
For the dead there are always those who wait to get the money.
They weep then grovel for the money.
But for Louise the photographer they will get nothing.
The redhead?
What are you talking about?
He has also been murdered senior.
By the same who killed the Senora.
Murderer, two wheat, one sailor duval.
You lost your marbles LaSalle.
I thought it would interest you.
Visiting hours are from two to two fifteen senior.
And don't bring back the bail.
We have no use for it.
I will give you three minutes senior.
Thanks.
Maybe I can do something for you sometime.
Like break your leg.
Three minutes senior.
I will stand here watching them fly by on my watch.
Look at me Slate.
I'm a killer.
Like the roll?
What happened sailor?
I went to Louis to get that picture of you.
He balked.
I said I'd call the cops.
So he gave it to me.
Then he went to the back room to enlarge a snapshot or something.
Then there were shots.
Then I woke up with a gun in my hand.
Louis at my feet.
A cop pulling my eyelids open and saying quit stalling babe.
With a Spanish equivalent.
Then.
You got the picture?
Yeah.
I'll give it to you.
Turn your back Slate.
You go and stir happy.
Give me the picture.
Here.
Huh.
Well what do you know?
We only saw half the picture the first time sailor.
This is all of it.
You see that woman pointing a finger at me there in the background?
What about her?
I thought she was a tourist pointing out one of Havana's oddities.
Ah that's Laura of the lonely heart.
Don't go away sailor.
Bounce your iron ball.
I'll be back soon.
Hi Laura.
I brought you something.
Well you don't have to bribe me.
Take a look.
You and me together in one picture.
We'll take a million more.
You were pointing out a pigeon to the photographer.
You were showing him Slate Shannon.
I wanted you for my album.
I stay up late nights with my album.
Pigeon.
Me.
For the murder of Mrs. Baker.
I thought you were a man in the crowd.
Now I know better.
How were we the last time?
Like this?
Just about.
About now comes the head over the head.
A jealous customer.
We get all kinds.
Relax Slate.
This time there'll be no herd in it.
Show me.
Alright.
My lips on your cheek.
Here.
Here.
Here.
You'll never make it Laura.
You just got a customer.
Get out of here Frank.
I'll see you later.
What's he got to give you Laura?
Get out of here.
I just gave her something Frank.
A picture.
You want to see it?
Here.
Go ahead.
Look at it.
You lost it good didn't you?
Laura here handles all your work huh?
You won't like her Shannon.
Ask her to love she'll love.
Ask her to kill she'll kill.
Either one buys a man grief.
Slate don't listen to him.
He's furious because I'm with you and not him.
You got anybody you want killed Shannon?
A photographer?
A wife?
A wife?
You had one of those Frank?
Yeah I lost her.
Uh huh.
Now that's not the way it was.
She lost you in Texas City in 1947.
Then you followed your wife to Havana and teamed up with Laura because you got lonely for your wife's money.
It's a great loneliness.
Now what Frank?
Now what?
I start running.
I'm leaving you Laura.
To Mr. Shannon.
He can have you and the two murders on your hands.
Bye.
Frank.
What Laura?
Now you know how much I hated him Slate.
You did it for me huh?
I wanted you to see me do it.
You know it's a time like this when I'm putty in a girl's hands.
Especially when she's holding a gun on me.
You can change that.
How?
Make me believe you want a change.
Alright.
Believe me?
Uh huh.
Making love at the point of a gun.
That's exciting.
Throw the gun away.
I can take it from here.
I believe you.
I'll keep my eyes open Slate.
I want to watch your face.
Slate don't touch that gun.
Slate.
For a girl in the lonely hearts business you sure got a talent for being lonely.
Slate I believed you.
Don't you see this is Laura for you Slate.
For no one else.
Listen to me.
Listen to me Slate.
Just you and me.
Let me know when you're finished Laura.
And we'll take a walk.
Sailor's hands must be numb bouncing that iron ball.
Hey sailor where are you?
Out here on the patio taking a sun bath.
Come on out.
Hi Slate.
Sit down.
That's a jazzy sun suit you're wearing.
You like it huh?
Never saw the like.
Blue and white striped canvas.
The latest thing.
Picked it out of a mail order catalogue huh?
Swiped it while the turnkey wasn't looking.
The issue suits like that for the girls in the pokey?
Uh huh.
I cut it down for my uniform.
Well bye sailor.
Hey where are you going?
I don't know that convict suit.
That stuff's liable to rub off.
No it won't.
Come here.
See?
Hey where are you going?
Had to rub off.
You made me a happy convict sailor.
So where are you going?
To get me a couple of rocks.
I'll make sand out of them with my bare hands.
And so our two stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall
have brought to a close our latest bold venture story.
Special music was composed and conducted by David Rose.
May we invite you to listen again next week at this time
for another exciting adventure starring Humphrey Bogart
and Lauren Bacall together in Bold Venture.